Prince: Anotherloverholenyohead / I Wanna Be Your Lover UK Single: (1986)
- Escape
- Oct 20, 1986
- 4 min read
On October 20, 1986, Prince and The Revolution released the 7” single Anotherloverholenyohead / I Wanna Be Your Lover in the United Kingdom, a vibrant snapshot of Prince’s Parade era and a nod to his early career. Distributed through Paisley Park/Warner Bros., this release tied the funky, jazzy sounds of 1986 to his 1979 breakout hit, captivating fans and collectors alike. Below, explore the context, significance, and every UK vinyl format of this iconic single.
Background and Significance
The Parade Era
Released as the third single from Parade (March 31, 1986), Anotherloverholenyohead was a key track from the soundtrack to Prince’s film Under the Cherry Moon. The album blended funk, pop, jazz, and orchestral elements, showcasing Prince’s genre-defying ambition. While Parade didn’t match the commercial juggernaut of Purple Rain (1984), it was a critical darling, and Anotherloverholenyohead exemplified its eclectic spirit with its playful title, driving bassline, and jazzy horns. The song peaked at #36 on the UK Singles Chart and #63 on the US Billboard Hot 100, with a stronger #18 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart. Its music video, featuring live Parade Tour footage, highlighted Prince’s electric stage presence.
The B-Side Nostalgia
The B-side, I Wanna Be Your Lover, harked back to Prince’s 1979 self-titled album. His first major hit, it reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart, establishing him as a rising star. In the UK, it hit #41 in 1980, and its inclusion in 1986 reintroduced Prince’s disco-funk roots to newer fans, bridging his early and mid-80s eras.
Cultural Impact
This single arrived during a transitional year for Prince. After Purple Rain’s global success, he took risks with Under the Cherry Moon (a commercial flop but later a cult classic) and Parade’s experimental sound. The Parade Tour showcased his theatricality, and by late 1986, he was dissolving The Revolution to prepare Sign o’ the Times (1987), one of his masterpieces. In the UK, where his chart performance was less consistent than in the US, this release leveraged Kiss’s success (#6 UK) to keep momentum, with I Wanna Be Your Lover adding nostalgic appeal.
UK Release Formats
The single was issued in multiple vinyl formats in the UK, catering to fans, DJs, and collectors. Each format, pressed through Paisley Park/Warner Bros., featured Anotherloverholenyohead on the A-side and I Wanna Be Your Lover on the B-side, with variations in packaging and track lengths. Here’s the complete breakdown:
7” Vinyl Single (Standard Sleeve)
Catalog Number: W 8530
Details: Black vinyl, 45 RPM, housed in a standard picture sleeve with Parade-era artwork (Prince in a theatrical pose against a starry background).
Track Listing:
A: Anotherloverholenyohead (Edit) – 3:23
B: I Wanna Be Your Lover (LP Version) – 5:47
Notes: The most accessible format, designed for radio play and casual buyers. Its compact edit of Anotherloverholenyohead emphasized the song’s pop appeal. Collectors value it for its iconic sleeve. Estimated Value: £3–£10 (mint condition).
7” Vinyl Single (Poster Sleeve Edition)
Catalog Number: W 8530
Details: Black vinyl, 45 RPM, with a die-cut fold-out sleeve doubling as a 12” x 12” mini-poster. The artwork mirrors Parade’s aesthetic, with liner notes and credits on the reverse.
Track Listing:
A: Anotherloverholenyohead (Edit) – 3:23
B: I Wanna Be Your Lover (LP Version) – 5:47
Notes: A promotional variant, this limited edition was a collector’s draw due to its poster sleeve. Scarcer than the standard 7”, it’s prized for its visual appeal. Estimated Value: £5–£15.
12” Vinyl Single (Standard Release)
Catalog Number: W 8521T (also 920 587-0 in some pressings)
Details: Black vinyl, 45 RPM, in a standard sleeve with Parade artwork. Pressed in Germany for UK distribution. Some copies included promotional inserts like tour flyers, though no dedicated poster was standard.
Track Listing:
A: Anotherloverholenyohead (Extended Version) – 7:52
B: I Wanna Be Your Lover (LP Version) – 5:47
Notes: The extended remix of Anotherloverholenyohead, with extra horns and solos, was tailored for DJs and club play. As the fourth Parade single in Europe, it targeted dancefloors. Estimated Value: £4–£12.
12” Picture Disc Vinyl
Catalog Number: W 8521TP
Details: Limited-edition picture disc, 45 RPM, with Parade artwork etched on the vinyl (Side A: Prince in profile; Side B: band imagery). Housed in a clear plastic sleeve or standard gatefold with protective inner. Pressed in the UK.
Track Listing:
A: Anotherloverholenyohead (Extended Version) – 7:52
B: I Wanna Be Your Lover (LP Version) – 5:47
Notes: A collector’s gem, this picture disc’s visual flair aligns with Prince’s theatrical aesthetic. Despite slight surface noise, it offers excellent sound quality. Estimated Value: £15–£40.
Additional Notes
Release Strategy: The UK formats were part of Warner Bros.’ push to sustain Parade’s momentum after Kiss. Choosing I Wanna Be Your Lover as the B-side (instead of the US’s Girls & Boys) was strategic for Europe, where the 1979 hit retained nostalgic appeal. No cassette or CD singles were issued in the UK.
Collectibility: Vinyl collectors treasure these formats, especially the poster sleeve and picture disc, for their rarity and Parade-era aesthetics. Mint copies fetch higher prices on platforms like Discogs or eBay. The Parade deluxe editions (e.g., 2017) include remixes but not these exact single configurations.
Broader Context: In October 1986, Prince was competing in a vibrant UK chart scene alongside acts like The Communards and The Smiths. His relentless creativity during this period laid the groundwork for his enduring influence on pop, funk, and soul.
Legacy
The Anotherloverholenyohead / I Wanna Be Your Lover single may not have been Prince’s biggest hit, but it captures his fearless experimentation and ability to bridge past and present. For collectors, these UK vinyls are cherished artifacts of an artist at his creative peak. Stream both tracks today on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, or hunt for these vinyl treasures to own a piece of Prince’s legacy.
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